Members of North Bedfordshire CAMRA Branch were sad to hear that Joyce Stevens, former landlady of the Stone Jug at Clophill, had passed away.

Joyce and her late husband Arthur transformed what had been an ordinary village local into the excellent free house we know and love today. Over the years the Stone Jug earned many honours, including CAMRA’s Bedfordshire Pub of the Year award, together with regular listings in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide — a legacy Arthur and Joyce built together, one warm welcome and great pint at a time.

After Arthur died some years ago Joyce stepped back, leaving daughter Vikki to run the pub, later joined by her brother Mark, but the Stone Jug remains very much a family business with Joyce and Arthur’s spirit still at the heart of everything. Regulars, visitors and villagers will remember Joyce fondly. She truly helped put the pub at the heart of the village.

Joyce’s funeral is on Monday 14 September, 11am at Oakfield Gardens Crematorium, Fordfield Road, Steppingley, MK45 1AD. A live stream link is available. After the service a Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held back at the Stone Jug for family, friends and those who knew her.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Mark, Vikki and the family. Joyce leaves behind a wonderful community pub and so many happy memories. RIP.